A Hero’s Downfall
In Othello, by William Shakespeare, widespread manipulation and deceit shape the personalities of several characters throughout the play. The first 3 acts expose the conflicts between characters due to their overpowering ambitions and everlasting jealousy. Iago, a key manipulator in the play, maintains his role as the villain through his devious plans, specifically by exploiting Othello’s vulnerability. Through numerous plots to sabotage and disrupt lives, Shakespeare reveals the true deception of human nature. Iago is able to manipulate Othello’s opinion of Desdemona because Othello is inexperienced in love; this circumstance reveals that, despite the appearance of having a heroic personality, Othello is essentially …show more content…
Throughout the play Othello is referred to in a demeaning manner by many characters including Iago, ultimately contributing to his lack of belonging and worth. Iago realizes that any small insecurity will propel Othello into a state of self-doubt. One way in which Iago belittles Othello is through commenting on his race. Racism in Othello plays a large role as Iago convinces Othello that there will always be someone more racially compatible for Desdemona: Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you, Not to affect many proposèd matches Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends. (3.3.268-271)
In using Othello’s lack of belonging as a weapon, Iago forces Othello into feeling inferior and expendable to Desdemona. Through his speech, Iago points out that it is unnatural for Desdemona to have feelings for a man such as Othello. In saying so, Othello’s deepest insecurities of his race allow him to become weak and vulnerable. Othello is aware that he is a black man living in a white man’s world, however as the racial slurs increase, he becomes progressively skeptical about his life as a whole: Haply, for I am black And have not those soft parts of conversation That chambers have, or for I am …show more content…
Through the constant necessity to prove himself, Othello’s personality disintegrates, ultimately breaking him inside. The multiple convictions of character and trials cause Othello to assert himself under scrutiny especially when proving his love to Brabantio saying, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed,/And I loved her that she did pity them./This only is the witchcraft I have used” (1.3.193-195). Othello’s well-spoken speech to Brabantio comprises his innermost thoughts, ultimately putting his heart on his sleeve. It is evident that when testifying his love for Desdemona, Othello’s language is eloquent and well thought out, however through constant scrutiny his language becomes impulsive and
In Othello, by William Shakespeare, widespread manipulation and deceit shape the personalities of several characters throughout the play. The first 3 acts expose the conflicts between characters due to their overpowering ambitions and everlasting jealousy. Iago, a key manipulator in the play, maintains his role as the villain through his devious plans, specifically by exploiting Othello’s vulnerability. Through numerous plots to sabotage and disrupt lives, Shakespeare reveals the true deception of human nature. Iago is able to manipulate Othello’s opinion of Desdemona because Othello is inexperienced in love; this circumstance reveals that, despite the appearance of having a heroic personality, Othello is essentially …show more content…
Throughout the play Othello is referred to in a demeaning manner by many characters including Iago, ultimately contributing to his lack of belonging and worth. Iago realizes that any small insecurity will propel Othello into a state of self-doubt. One way in which Iago belittles Othello is through commenting on his race. Racism in Othello plays a large role as Iago convinces Othello that there will always be someone more racially compatible for Desdemona: Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you, Not to affect many proposèd matches Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends. (3.3.268-271)
In using Othello’s lack of belonging as a weapon, Iago forces Othello into feeling inferior and expendable to Desdemona. Through his speech, Iago points out that it is unnatural for Desdemona to have feelings for a man such as Othello. In saying so, Othello’s deepest insecurities of his race allow him to become weak and vulnerable. Othello is aware that he is a black man living in a white man’s world, however as the racial slurs increase, he becomes progressively skeptical about his life as a whole: Haply, for I am black And have not those soft parts of conversation That chambers have, or for I am …show more content…
Through the constant necessity to prove himself, Othello’s personality disintegrates, ultimately breaking him inside. The multiple convictions of character and trials cause Othello to assert himself under scrutiny especially when proving his love to Brabantio saying, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed,/And I loved her that she did pity them./This only is the witchcraft I have used” (1.3.193-195). Othello’s well-spoken speech to Brabantio comprises his innermost thoughts, ultimately putting his heart on his sleeve. It is evident that when testifying his love for Desdemona, Othello’s language is eloquent and well thought out, however through constant scrutiny his language becomes impulsive and